Nicole Kidman's father Antony Kidman visited her on set in New York. However, tragically, his visit was the last time they saw each other, before he passed away in September 2014. In a scheduling coincidence, the film held its world premiere on September 14th, 2015, exactly the date on which he passed away the year earlier.
This is the second feature in which Nicole Kidman serve as both producer and leading actress. The first one was Rabbit Hole (2010), which also had David Lindsay-Abaire as the screenwriter. Kidman personally handpicked him to write the screenplay, following their first collaboration.
Jason Bateman and Nicole Kidman both have several credits on the project. Bateman is the director, star and producer of the film, while Kidman brought the rights to the book, served as a producer and as the leading lady.
While writing the novel upon which the film is based, Kevin Wilson was working as a professor at Sewanee: the University of the South, where he continues to teach English and Writing.
Christopher Walken received a standing ovation for his performance after the screening at the Toronto Film Festival.